Villain System: Stealing the Protagonist's Harem and Luck

Chapter 116: Brotherly Bonds Shattered; Gu Changge’s Terrifying Grip on the Human Heart

Inside the cloud-kissed pavilion, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

Bai Lie sat restless, his gaze fixed on the night sky. It wasn’t until the moonlight climbed the third eave of the roof that a voice finally drifted in from the void outside.

“Bai Lie, I have arrived.”

The voice was melodious, carrying a natural enchantment that intoxicated the soul before the speaker even appeared.

Overjoyed, Bai Lie shot up from his seat and rushed to the window. The other young prodigies in the room stood as well, their eyes lighting up with expectation.

A beauty of this caliber was a sight one could never tire of. It was no wonder that a man of iron and blood like the White Tiger Young Master would sink so deep into her gentle embrace, unable to extricate himself.

“The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Maiden, Yin Mei…”

Ye Ling watched with growing amazement. Tonight, Yin Mei had clearly taken great care with her appearance. She wore a light, exquisite makeup that accentuated her features, causing a pang of envy to strike Ye Ling’s heart. Bai Lie is truly fortunate.

“Yin Mei, you’re finally here?” Bai Lie called out, his face a mask of infatuation.

“I am,” came the soft chuckle of a woman in a crimson dress.

From the shifting phantoms of the night, she stepped forward, seemingly treading on blooming lotuses of spiritual energy. Her face possessed an eerie, soul-stirring charm—a beauty distinct from the cold, aloof goddesses of the daoist sects.

Hers was the beauty of a bewitching fox, capable of overturning cities and enchanting all living beings.

Stepping from the void, she descended with an almost unreal grace. Her oval face was as pristine and smooth as mutton-fat jade. Her brows were elegantly arched, and her eyes, resembling shimmering rubies, held a soft, captivating glow. With a delicate nose, ruby lips, and teeth like crystalline jade, she was a masterpiece under the hazy moonlight.

Her figure was graceful and alluring as she approached the pavilion, a peerless immortal flower in full bloom.

It was obvious to everyone that Yin Mei had dressed specifically for this occasion. She was far more radiant tonight than Bai Lie had ever seen her.

“Yin Mei… you are breathtaking,” Bai Lie stammered, stunned for a moment before letting out a heartfelt sigh.

Yin Mei cast him a shy, fleeting glance. “Don’t be silly.”

Those three simple words nearly melted Bai Lie’s bones, causing his very soul to tremble with delight.

However, his euphoria was short-lived. He noticed the dazed, hungry expressions of the other prodigies in the pavilion—including his sworn brother, Ye Ling. A shadow of displeasure crossed his face.

Yin Mei had dressed up for him. How could he allow other men to ogle her like this?

Though Bai Lie was known for his bold and straightforward personality, he was still a man, and his possessiveness was inherently strong. He let out a cold snort, the sound heavy with warning.

Startled, the young prodigies quickly snapped out of their trance, averting their gazes in embarrassment.

Ye Ling also withdrew his gaze, feigning calmness as he raised his wine cup. “Brother Bai Lie is truly blessed!”

Under normal circumstances, Bai Lie would have laughed and agreed. But remembering Ye Ling’s questionable character regarding women, the compliment now felt grating.

“Yin Mei, you came at the perfect time. We were just speaking of you.” Bai Lie didn’t dwell on his irritation, quickly ushering Yin Mei inside with a beaming smile. He immediately ordered the servants to refresh the banquet.

Yin Mei rarely took the initiative to visit him. Seeing her dressed so beautifully made his blood run hot; the character for “King” (王) on his forehead shimmered with a distinct, golden luminescence.

Perhaps, he thought, something wonderful might happen tonight.

It was late. There was wine. The night was young.

“I apologize for the wait,” Yin Mei said, seating herself gracefully. “The sect has been tumultuous recently. Senior Brother Gu has been officially announced as the Successor, and the coronation ceremony is imminent. He only left the sect today; otherwise, I wouldn’t have dared to sneak out.”

She smiled, maintaining a subtle but polite distance from everyone present. This distance didn’t annoy Bai Lie; on the contrary, it pleased him. It showed she was reserving her intimacy for him alone.

He wished the others would take the hint and leave.

The banquet resumed. Yin Mei conversed with the group, her demeanor natural and elegant. Yet, Bai Lie’s expression grew increasingly sour as he caught the furtive glances the other prodigies kept stealing at her. She was simply too radiant tonight; it was impossible for her not to attract attention.

Fortunately, the other prodigies were observant. Seeing the storm brewing on Bai Lie’s face, they tactfully excused themselves one by one. Offending the White Tiger Young Master over a woman was not a wise move.

Soon, only Ye Ling, Yin Mei, and Bai Lie remained in the pavilion.

“I propose a toast to the Heavenly Maiden,” Ye Ling said, raising his white jade cup. “A proud daughter of heaven like you, who refuses to fawn over the powerful and dares to oppose Gu Changge, is a rarity in this world. To maintain your spine in the Daoist Celestial Palace, where Gu Changge reigns supreme… I truly admire you!”

Ye Ling spoke from the heart. Ever since the incident at the Myriad Dao Banquet, he had held a favorable impression of Yin Mei’s unyielding spirit. Seeing her tonight, stunning and resilient, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at Bai Lie’s luck. The Heavenly Maiden of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan was a partner many could only dream of.

Ye Ling downed his wine in one gulp, displaying a bold and heroic air.

“Brother Ye Ling is too kind,” Yin Mei replied, appearing delighted by the praise. She raised her cup in return. “I have heard many rumors about Brother Ye Ling recently as well. Not only did you hold your ground against Ye Langtian, the rumored reincarnation of an Ancient Emperor, but you also challenged Senior Brother Gu. Such courage is astonishing.”

She pursed her lips in a smile, her eyes curving into crescents. “Knowing Senior Brother Gu’s terrifying strength yet still daring to defy him… few in the younger generation can compare to you.”

“Not at all, you flatter me, Heavenly Maiden,” Ye Ling chuckled, feeling a swell of pride. “But what is there to fear? Gu Changge is strong, yes, but he is not invincible. There are still those of us who do not fear him.”

The praise felt incredibly soothing, especially coming from his sworn brother’s fiancée. A strange, forbidden thrill stirred in his heart, though he concealed it well.

Soon, the two were conversing as if no one else existed. Yin Mei laughed frequently, covering her mouth with her sleeve, her eyes sparkling with wit and charm.

Although Ye Ling’s appearance was ordinary, he carried an air of supreme confidence.

Bai Lie sat on the side, his face turning the color of a bruised liver. He felt like an outsider in his own pavilion. Usually, Yin Mei was polite to him, but never this relaxed or casual. Yet now, she was chatting and laughing with Ye Ling as if they were old friends.

The more Bai Lie watched, the more Ye Ling—the sworn brother he usually found agreeable—began to look like an eyesore.

“Ye Ling…” Bai Lie spoke, his voice dropping an octave. He pointedly used his full name instead of “Sworn Brother.”

“Ah, Brother Bai Lie…” Ye Ling snapped out of his conversation, looking slightly embarrassed. He realized he had been stealing the spotlight. “I got carried away chatting with the Heavenly Maiden and neglected you.”

Internally, however, Ye Ling felt a twinge of indifference. Bai Lie is too narrow-minded. I was just talking to her, and we kept a respectful distance. What is there to be jealous about?

Glancing at the night sky, Ye Ling stood up. “I won’t disturb you two any longer. It’s getting late; I should return and rest.”

He knew Bai Lie was angry and decided to let him cool off. He had always been popular with women; Yin Mei talking to him a bit more was hardly a crime. Bai Lie was simply making a mountain out of a molehill.

Bai Lie remained silent, his expression gloomy. In his eyes, Ye Ling’s behavior was unacceptable. I provide you with resources and treat you like family, and this is how you repay me? By flirting with my fiancée right in front of my face?

Ye Ling bid farewell to Yin Mei and exited the pavilion, heading toward his nearby lodgings.

Silence descended upon the pavilion.

Bai Lie stared at Yin Mei, who had resumed her distant posture. He opened his mouth, ready to question her about her behavior.

But before he could speak, the smile vanished from Yin Mei’s face.

“Ye Ling is a man of ulterior motives,” she said, her voice freezing cold. “You should stay away from him in the future.”

The abrupt change in her demeanor left Bai Lie dumbfounded. One moment she was laughing with Ye Ling, and the next, she was looking at the door he exited with utter disdain.

“W-what?” Bai Lie stammered.

“What exactly goes through that head of yours?” Yin Mei glanced at him, her eyes filled with disappointment. “How have you survived this long?”

“From the moment we met, that Ye Ling has been staring at me. His gaze is impure. Who knows what filthy schemes he harbors in his heart?” she scolded softly. “You were just too blind to notice. If I had told you directly, you would have accused me of trying to drive a wedge between you brothers. So… did you see his true character just now?”

She frowned, looking at Bai Lie as if he were a hopeless fool.

“This…” Bai Lie was stunned.

Connecting her explanation with her unusual behavior, everything suddenly clicked.

He didn’t doubt her words. He couldn’t. Ye Ling’s behavior had been excessive.

She was helping me see his true colors, Bai Lie realized. That was her only purpose.

A wave of guilt and emotion washed over him. He had actually doubted her loyalty just moments ago, while she had been silently looking out for him.

“Yin Mei… you were so thoughtful. I wronged you,” Bai Lie said, his voice thick with emotion. Then, his expression hardened. “I always knew Ye Ling was ambitious, but I didn’t expect him to be this lowly. Daring to have designs on you…”

He recalled the rumors of Ye Ling coveting Yue Mingkong, the Crown Princess of the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty. Combined with tonight’s display, Bai Lie’s heart turned to ice. He mentally categorized Ye Ling alongside Gu Changge—scum.

“Hmph. Superficially respectful, but harboring ill intentions in secret,” Bai Lie spat. “He is no different from Gu Changge!”

As Bai Lie fumed, he failed to notice the fleeting mockery in Yin Mei’s eyes.

Everything she had said and done tonight was a script written by Gu Changge. She was merely the actress.

And just as Gu Changge had predicted, the plan proceeded without a single deviation. The realization made Yin Mei’s heart tremble with genuine fear.

Gu Changge’s control over the human heart was simply too terrifying.

It was almost effortless. Years of brotherly affection between Bai Lie and Ye Ling were dismantled in a single incense stick of time. And she, who had only met Bai Lie a handful of times, became the trusted confidante.

Of course, her performance as the Fox Clan’s Heavenly Maiden was flawless, but the true horror lay in how precisely Gu Changge understood Bai Lie and Ye Ling’s personalities. He manipulated their flaws—jealousy, pride, lust—like a puppeteer pulling strings.

Without ever showing his face, Gu Changge controlled the entire board.

Bai Lie and Ye Ling were dancing in the palm of his hand, completely unaware.

It is horrifying, Yin Mei thought, a cold sweat dampening her back. I am fortunate I chose the right side. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even know how I died.

“Yin Mei, it is late. Will you return to the sect?” Bai Lie asked, breaking her train of thought. His eyes held a flicker of anticipation.

Yin Mei’s expression returned to its flawless mask. She shook her head gently. “I won’t go back tonight. I have a small villa in the ancient city where I can rest.”

Bai Lie looked disappointed but didn’t dare push his luck further.

Yin Mei rose to leave. However, just before she stepped out, she paused. Her eyes flashed with a hint of a smile, and her voice drifted back, soft and inviting.

“It isn’t far from here. Just three hundred li to the east.”

Three hundred li to the east…

The specific direction ignited a blaze in Bai Lie’s eyes. Joy surged in his chest.

Is she… hinting for me to follow?

But first, he had business to attend to. His expression turned grim as he waved his hand.

“Men.”

The void behind him rippled, and a terrifying figure emerged. The aura of blood and Qi was overwhelming—his hidden Guardian, a great expert of the White Tiger Clan.

“Young Master!”

Simultaneously, Bai Lie’s usual entourage appeared from the shadows below the pavilion. They were a formidable force, with even the weakest among them at the Holy Lord Realm.

“Go capture Ye Ling for me,” Bai Lie ordered, his face dark. “That damnable ingrate. How dare he humiliate me.”

“Yes, Young Master!”

The group, led by the Guardian, surged out of the pavilion like a pack of wolves, heading straight for Ye Ling’s aura.

Bai Lie watched them go, letting out a breath of relief. He knew Ye Ling had many tricks, which was why he sent the Guardian. Tonight, Ye Ling would not escape.

“Yin Mei’s words… she must be waiting for me.”

A smile crept onto Bai Lie’s face. With a flicker of movement, he vanished into the night, racing toward the east.